CB Souls At Old Soul

While Starbucks is a common favorite among many at CB, a few Falcons explain why they rush to this Old Park coffee shop for their morning coffee.

With pumpkin spice lattes, confusing coffee sizes, and infamous holiday red cups, Starbucks has always had a presence within the Christian Brothers community. You can always see at least one student toting a Grande Java Chip Frappuccino amongst the morning rush onto campus.

However, there are a few Falcons that seek their caffeinated beverages elsewhere along their route to school, resisting the green-lady mascot and her tall (or is it small?) vanilla lattes for a more laid back way to enjoy your coffee. Where else can you get your daily dose of morning joe?

At an Oak Park classic: Old Soul @ 40 Acres.

While Old Soul may not catch just as much attention as the Starbucks empire, this coffee shop and bakery has culminated a dedicated following of Christian Brothers students and teachers. However, I was amongst few in the crowd that didn’t understand its popularity. I myself didn’t even hear about Old Soul until recently. How have some within our community discover this hidden coffee jewel within Sacramento?

Will Legrand (’16) has been going to Old Soul frequently and has a lot of experience with the Oak Park coffee shop — it was his route between home and school that introduced him to its quality coffee.

“On most days, I skateboard or bike home from school,” he said. “My latest route had taken me by Old Soul [in Oak Park] along Broadway. I found that it looked really nice. So one morning I decided to stop in and get coffee. I found out that their coffee was really good, a lot better than the coffee at Starbucks or Peet’s, so I started coming more often.”

Knowing how long it takes to bike from Land Park to school and back, I would understand the need for a quick stop at Old Soul to fend off any troublesome Monday morning with a good dose of caffeine.

Taylor McRho (’17) simply attributes Old Soul as a family tradition.

“My dad has been taking me there since I was a little kid,” she stated. “That’s where he would always take me.”

Between family connections and pure luck of discovery, I loved to hear how Old Soul gave an impact to many CB students. However, I still wondered what made Old Soul what it is. After all, with so many Starbucks, Peet’s Coffees, and Dunkin’ Donuts within Sacramento, what exactly made Old Soul stand out among its highly-marketed competitors to keep students coming back for more?

“It feels more relaxed,” Will said. “It’s not as hectic and not full of people on their way to work. [There is] a lot of space between tables and it’s easy to find a seat. And their coffee is really, really good.”

“Old Soul has a really good vegetarian sandwich that I have a slight obsession with,” Taylor admitted. “They also brew and roast in house, which makes a difference when it comes to coffee. It gives it a good bitter taste that coffee has while Starbucks just throws it in the grinder and burns it.”

Brandon D’Cruz (’16), another lover of Old Soul coffee,  he loves the relaxed, home-like atmosphere juxtaposed with the hectic, stressful regiment at any Starbucks.

“When you go into Old Soul, it’s more quiet. You can sit down. They have couches and stuff, and it’s more of a laid back type of atmosphere. It’s not crazy.”

And as for recommendations:

“I really like their orange scones. And their White Latte is really good.” Taylor suggested.

“Pumpkin muffins. And Chai Tea Latte.” Brandon excitedly stated.

“Just any coffee.” Will flat-out said. “And try it with simple syrup.”

Of course, with all this praise about Old Soul, I had to come over and see it for myself. So, on a cold Friday afternoon, I biked over with a couple of friends to the coffee shop. And, just like many others, I fell in love with the establishment as I relaxed with my friends on a comfy couch and drank a hot latte to shake off the bitter cold from outside.

If you need to settle down briefly from all the hectic morning rush, want a place to casually chat with friends and relax after a long day of school, or just want to enjoy a great cup of coffee, head over to Old Soul @ 40 Acres along Broadway and 34th street.

And I greatly recommend the Chai Tea.